“In the Dancing Spirit …”

“In the Dancing Spirit …” or “Doroha do tantsju” celebrates 20 years of the Ukrainian Academy of Dance. The story’s liveliest and most dynamic expression was through the stage performance of the Ukrainian Academy of Dance and Arkan Dance Company 20^th Anniversary Celebration Concert on Sunday, May 27, 2007, at the Living Arts Centre, Hammerson Hall in Mississauga, Ont.

The Arkan Dance Company and select students from The Ukrainian Academy of Dance performed their most cherished dances from the Academy’s 20 year history.  The programme’s new repertoire is created by illustrious guest choreographer Rafayil Malynovsky, National Artist of Ukraine, and Danovia Stechishin-Stefura, founder and Artistic Director of the Company and school.

The concert’s opening number was “In the Dancing Spirit … which is a brilliant montage of dance sequences providing an overview of the Academy’s development, starting with Stechishin’s research and travel in Ukraine. In Lviv, Stechishin was so impressed with the work of famed costume designer Volodya Furyk that she continues to order from him to this day, large collections of unique costumes. While offering a course for Canadian Ukrainian dancers and teachers, Stechishin also built a life-long relationship with Scott Stefura, her husband and partner in Stefura Dance Studios.

The audience was treated to the remarkable work and presence of Malynovsky. The dancers had the privilege to work with this master choreographer and perform dances he has created from various regions of Ukraine. They include comedic character and romantic dances, folkloric dances for children of all ages and levels of proficiency and skill in the “school”, as well as, choreography for the highly technical dances performed by the more senior and seasoned performers in the Arkan Dance Company.  The beautifully executed traditional dances reflect not only the artistic work of Danovia Stechishin but also the choreographic talents of Larissa Szachrajuk, Roman Kraus and Lesia Sywanicz.  Fine examples of the Company’s breadth of repertoire were the unique performances of Malynovsky’s Kolomeyka, inspired by and set to the music of Ruslana and the master’s ever elegant Kyivs’ka Rus’, designed and well-crafted to emanate the poise and grace of the Golden Kyivan Rus’ period of our people’s history during the X-XIII centuries.

The concert concluded with appearance of Danovia Stechishin-Stefura who made special recognition and devotion to Nadya Klymkiw, Wardrobe Director for 20 years. With the entire Academy and Company on stage, certificates were awarded to dancers for varying years of involvement, many starting in the “school” and graduating to the Company. Etobicoke Centre Liberal MP Borys Wrzesnewskyj presented Stechishin with a Certificate of Merit in recognition of the many individuals who through the Academy and Company promote Ukrainian Dance and its contribution to our Canadian Heritage. He also commented on the athletic prowess, agility and stamina of the dancers. In closing, Stechishin invited all to congregate in the LAC Lobby to socialize, and remain to enjoy the 20th Anniversary Visual Display and obtain a signed copy of the new commemorative album book “In the Dancing Spirit …”

The Academy and Arkan have strengthened the Ukrainian-Canadian Community and connected to communities in Toronto and abroad, through dance, artistry and spirit.  Pre-registration for the 2007-08 Season has commenced at the Academy’s new location – Gotta Dance Studios, 3581 Dundas St. W. (at Jane Street) in Toronto.